Hospital clinicians who prescribe opioids are being encouraged to give all patients a new guide on their appropriate use developed by NPS MedicineWise Choosing Wisely Australia
The two page leaflet Managing pain and opioid medicines has been developed for people prescribed opioids as inpatients, or on discharge, to raise awareness about opioids use for short-term pain, their side effects and the risks of dependence.
The guide emphasises the message that opioids should only be used for the shortest time and at the lowest dose possible.
It includes a version of the ‘5 questions to ask your doctor’ from Choosing Wisely, to ensure that patients know about their cause of their pain, the risks of opioids and the alternatives available to manage pain.
The guide also has a section for a personal pain management plan that can be completed in conjunction with a health professional.
NPS MedicineWise CEO Adj A/Prof Steve Morris says the guide is part of a national effort to help tackle Australia’s growing pharmaceutical ‘opioid crisis’.